Security tips for your newly bought phones and laptops

Did you get a brand new smartphone or laptop as your Christmas gift? Consider doing these if you want to make the most out of your spanking new device!

Get new security software

A new smartphone or laptop won’t always come with security software pre-installed. If they do, most of the time the pre-installed antivirus or antimalware software is either not that good or something you’re not used to. Try installing one that you trust, but uninstall the other security software only after your pick has successfully been installed; this is to ensure that there is no window of vulnerability on your device. If you do stick with the default software, just make sure that it’s updated to the latest version to maximize the protection that it can provide.

Create a back-up of files

These days, it’s easier for hackers to take advantage of vulnerabilities in software and devices. Of these intrusions, the most prevalent is ransomware, and getting infected can be costly. By creating a backup of your files, you won’t have to worry about not being able to access your files, or in this case, pay for ransom to get the decryption key.

Organize your folders

Keeping your files and folders organized has numerous advantages. Organized folders make it significantly faster to locate items. It allows you to easily identify where to save downloaded and transferred files. It makes encrypting folders much more streamlined. You can choose not to do this right away. However, the more your files accumulate, the harder it becomes to organize your files. This is why you need to create organized folders from the moment you get your device.

Get rid of apps that you don’t need

Most smartphones and laptops come with a great selection of apps right out of the box. Pre-installed apps are not for everyone, though, and if there are apps that you don’t think you will be needing, it’s best to just uninstall them. Most apps won’t consume a lot of system memory by themselves, but running simultaneously, they have the potential to slow your system down.

Get a virtual private network

Installing a virtual private network (VPN) such as Hotspot Shield on your new device is a must if you want to improve the user experience in tasks involving the Internet. Not only can a VPN for laptops and smartphones allow you to unblock your favorite online sites and content, it can also protect you by keeping you anonymous and encrypting all your information.

Hotspot Shield VPN for laptops and smartphones

One of the main features of Hotspot Shield VPN for laptops and smartphones is that it can temporarily replace your actual IP address with one from another territory. This makes it seem like you’re browsing from that territory, making it possible for you to access content restricted to that territory. Also, because your IP address is replaced temporarily, your local network restrictions are bypassed.

Aside from new ways to access your favorite content, your browsing sessions will also be safer when using Hotspot Shield. First, Hotspot Shield uses advanced encryption technology to protect all of you device’s outgoing and incoming information from hackers who try to intercept them. Additionally, Hotspot Shield uses a database of more than 3.5 million known infected sites to protect you from malware attacks, preventing you from accessing those infected sites. All of these can be enjoyed at no cost because Hotspot Shield is free to download!

Get more out of your brand new laptop or smartphone by downloading Hotspot Shield today. Visit the Hotspot Shield website to learn more about its benefits, and check out our other blog posts for more tips on using a VPN for laptops and smartphones.